Tofu Cheesecake, Donkey Kong, and a Christmas Tree

In case the title of this post wasn't any indication, I want you to know that I had a marvelous, relaxing day full of baking, video games, and holiday cheer.

The whole thing started with snow...and lots of it. I woke up to a wintery wonderland...thankful to finally have a garage (and therefore not having to de-ice or plow my car).

I taught my first yoga class at Panache Dance Studio in town and it went great. I love meeting the communities of people that congregate at different fitness studios and organizations. How fun to branch out and meet all sorts of interesting people! Did I mention that I get to take all sorts of fun dance classes as a faculty member? Panache offers Zumba, Bollywood, and Burlesque dance classes - - plus traditional ballrooms classes like the Samba and Waltz. As soon as this semester of school settles down, you can bet that I'll be shakin' my groove thing at the studio!

David standing proudly in front
of his tree.

After my class, David and I went shopping. We bought - drumroll please - the NEW Donkey Kong videogame for the Wii. It was a nostalgic purchase; we both loved the Donkey Kong games as kids. And this new installment is really fun (however, David and I tried to play together and kept getting into fights...I think perhaps I am an aggressive and sore loser...maybe I should work on that).

Then I made us dinner: a stew from Isa Chandra Moskowitz's new book, Appetite for Reduction, and a tofu cheesecake from this quirky old cookbook, The Compassionate Cook. Both recipes were really good. I have shared the cheesecake with you below ;) You're welcome.

While I was cooking away, David put up our lovely Christmas tree...so it's official: the holidays have arrived at the Dunn/Zuschlag household =D The presents have to stay hidden away, though, so the kitties don't rip them apart. Did I mention that I am done with my Christmas shopping? Woohoo!

Here that's cheesecake recipe I mentioned...

Rue McClanahan's Creamy Tofu Cheeseless Cake
Yes, it's true. Rue was a vegetarian! This recipe is one of a few celebrity recipes in The Compassionate Cook cookbook by PETA and Ingrid Newkirk. I used a storebought graham cracker crust, so this recipe took only minutes to put together. I won't lie and tell you that it tastes just like regular cheesecake...it doesn't. But I think it's a great substitute and definitely good enough for someone swearing off butter, cheese, and dairy!

- 14 oz soft tofu, drained and patted dry
- 14 oz firm tofu, drained and patted dry
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons nut or soy milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 storebought vegan graham cracker piecrust

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In the bowl of a food processor, combine the tofus, sugar, lemon juice, milk, and vanilla. Puree until completely smooth and not grainy. Pour this mixture into the piecrust and bake until firm, about 50 minutes. Bring to room temperature and refridgerate until ready to eat. serves 6-8